National Chemistry Week offers three free events for kids October 25, 2010

Harry Potter’s bubbling caldron isn’t magic—it’s chemistry!

National Chemistry Week 2010 celebrates science in the movies, on television and in literature with this year’s theme, “Behind the Scenes with Chemistry!”

National Chemistry Week is an annual, community-based event that unites local sections of the American Chemical Society with schools, businesses, and individuals who want to communicate the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. Erie-area events are coordinated by Tracy Halmi, senior lecturer in chemistry at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.

Locally, the ACS Erie Section has joined with students and faculty from Penn State Behrend, Allegheny College, Edinboro University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, and University of Pittsburgh at Titusville to produce this year’s free events:

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25
“Harry Potter Potions”
6:30 p.m., Blasco Memorial Library, 160 E. Front St.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Hands-on chemistry activities
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Millcreek Mall

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Hands-on chemistry activities and two chemistry demonstration shows on the second-floor stage.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum, 420 French St.
FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION DURING EVENT HOURS! This event is supported by the John Nesbit Rees and Sarah Henne Rees Charitable Foundation.

For more information about National Chemistry Week activities, e-mail Halmi at tracy@psu.edu or phone the Penn State Behrend School of Science at 814-898-6105.